Black Slip Wasp vs Muslin Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Slip Wasp Muslin Moth
Scientific Name Pimpla instigator Diaphora mendica
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Erebidae
Size 12-16 mm 30-38 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Parasitoids Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Slip Wasp

A medium-sized black ichneumon wasp that parasitizes butterfly and moth pupae. Uses its ovipositor to penetrate through cocoons. A common and widespread species.

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Did You Know?

Can drill its ovipositor through tough pupal cases and silk cocoons to reach the developing insect inside.

Muslin Moth

A sexually dimorphic moth where males are dark smoky grey and females are pure white with black spots. The contrast between sexes is striking.

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Did You Know?

Males and females look so different they were once classified as separate species.